The Champions Trophy is just around the corner, and the Indian selectors are likely to announce the 15-member squad by the end of this week. As the selectors prepare to meet, there is growing speculation about which prominent players could miss out and which players might secure a spot in the squad. According to a report by PTI, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be retained while KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammad Shami’s place is still doubtful and will be debated.
Rohit Sharma And Virat Kohli To Be Picked
Despite all the buzz about changing the dynamics of the game, the two biggest batters- Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli-may well turn out to remain the main backbone of India’s batting in Champions Trophy. Their places in the team are taken for granted while both continue being integral to India’s team in every game played so far.
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KL Rahul’s Role In Question
KL Rahul, who was vice-captain in the 2023 ODI World Cup and played a crucial role in the middle order, may be uncertain about his place. Although Rahul played a significant role in the World Cup after Hardik Pandya’s injury, his status as a backup wicketkeeper is under review. With Rishabh Pant still recovering from a car accident, the selectors will deliberate whether there is a need to pick Rahul in this role for the Champions Trophy.
Ishan Kishan Vs. Sanju Samson: The Wicketkeeper Debate
Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson are in the backup wicketkeeper race. Kishan failed during the Vijay Hazare Trophy, so his existence in the team is questionable. Sanju Samson however, during the South Africa series, has impressed and could be given a chance, especially with his present form and the great knock that helped in winning the series.
Axar Patel, Washington Sundar And Ravindra Jadeja: Who’ll Be Picked?
Axar Patel and Washington Sundar have made a strong case for themselves as the spin all-rounders, going past Ravindra Jadeja in form. Jadeja was once an automatic selection; however, recent batting performances have brought concerns over his place in the team, as selectors ponder on including him or not. Consistency in the last games can make Patel and Sundar more inviting choices for the Champions Trophy.
Mohammed Shami’s Fitness Issues
Mohammed Shami is not clear to be considered in the side. Though Shami has regained his competitive cricket with a comeback during the October of 2024, when he returned from ankle injury, some concerns have raised as his two performances in Vijay Hazare Trophy were dismal where he got just two wickets in eight overs across the two matches while showed some batting talent by being unbeaten with 42 but still selectors have a dilemma that how far he prepared himself for Champions Trophy.
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Yashasvi Jaiswal Likely To Be Included
Yashasvi Jaiswal, one of India’s brightest young talents, is most likely to be counted in as a back-up opener for the Champions Trophy. Although Jaiswal hasn’t played any ODI since November 2022, his Test form has been nothing but spectacular, with 1511 runs from 32 innings, five centuries, and seven half-centuries. His recent success makes him a strong contender for the white-ball team.
(With PTI Inputs)
